Data reveals the dilemma of Lewis Hamilton's key set up of Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifications

After a powerful present at Friday follow on the 2025 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton might face a vital set-up dilemma forward of qualifying.

The seven-time F1 World Champion was lower than a tenth of his teammate Charles LeClair and handed the timesheets on FP2 on the Baku Metropolis Circuit.

Hamilton is inspired by a powerful weekend begin, given Leclair’s spectacular report over time in Azerbaijan, which has received poles at each Grand Prix in Baku since 2021.

Curiously, the 2 Ferrari drivers selected totally different downforce ranges.

Knowledge exhibits that LecLerc is working on decrease downforce and choosing a skinny rear wing.

Hamilton runs extra downforce, giving corners extra confidence, particularly in the midst of the lap round Baku’s outdated city.

After the session, F1TV analyst Sam Collins defined the distinction between the 2 Ferrari drivers.

“Charles Leclerc is working a low drag, low downforce setup behind the automotive,” Collins defined.

“You’ll be able to actually see it clearly all through the rear wing. Lewis Hamilton had a a lot steeper, much more downforce-generating rear wing, however there was additionally a rear wing that produced an enormous quantity of aerodynamic drag from the proper corners in the long run.

“It may make an enormous distinction within the prime velocity that Ferrari can obtain there. You’ll be able to actually see it clearly (within the knowledge). The place you get all of the twists, Lewis Hamilton is the quickest driver from there, and you’ll actually see it clearly within the knowledge.

“In all of the quick sections, you possibly can see the yellow line (Leclerc) showing above the crimson. Charles Leclerc is quicker and could be seen within the corners. You’ll be able to see a few of these slower corners. Constructing the Leclerc tempo is to have an enormous outdated tow of its beginning end straight.”